Herculaneum, an upscale Ancient Roman city, is Pompeii's lesser known neighbor that was also destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. Wood used to construct the city homes was instantly carbonized by the volcanic eruption and you can still see it today, along with exquisite mosaics, marble, and frescoes.
Herculaneum is much better preserved because of the volcanic barrage that buried it - a slightly different preservation than Pompeii, which was covered in volcanic ash. The luxurious homes are amazingly preserved and restored.
Click here for more background information on Herculaneum.
• "Beware of Dog" Mosaics from Pompeii
• Interiors from "Pompeii and the Roman Villa"
(Images: Rachael Grad)